NEWPORT NEWS - Beverly Elizabeth
Peebles Kelly was born on Jan. 4, 1926, the oldest of four children. She
passed away early Thursday morning, Jan. 8, 2009, with her children at her
side.

She was raised on Shallow Marsh Farm in Tabb, Va. She graduated from Newport
News High School and Farmville State Teachers College, now Longwood
University.

In 1948, Bev married Herbert Valentine Kelly. At the time of his death in
2007, they had been married 59 years. In 1954, on a piece of land from
Jacobs Farm, Bev and Herb built their home, where they raised their children
and entertained many friends.

Over the years, Bev created a beautiful garden that included blossoming
shrubs, flowering trees, and a rose garden created for Herb. She spent more
savings on her birds in the garden, her sanctuary, than on herself and
inspired that appreciation in her family as well.

As a shell collector, bird watcher, and lover of all God's creatures, she
inspired a childlike exuberance in everyone around her.

Bev's interests include her community, The Hampton Roads Junior League, The
Hampton Roads Garden Club, and she was a lifelong supporter and volunteer of
the Virginia Living Museum.

With her love of church and family, she spent over 50 years as a member of
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 59 years, Herbert V.
Kelly; her parents, Dora Lee Peebles and Hubert Kenneth Peebles; and aunt,
Amanda (Chubby) Gray.

Saturday,
January 10, 2009

Dear Lee, Bert and
families:
Our deepest sympathies to you all. Bev was a wonderful neighbor and
friend....and she and your Dad lived good and memorable lives for
you and many others.

—Joan
& Bob Upshaw,
Cutler Bay,
Florida

Saturday,
January 10, 2009

Dear Lee and Bert,
I was saddened to receive Bert's call informing me of your Mother's
passing. I have such wonderful memories of our teenage years and the
many happy times we spent at the Kelly house (especially the
basement). Your Mother was always so kind and made us feel welcome.
She was a very special lady whom I know you will miss.
My deepest condolences to both of you and your families.
Jimmy

—James
Lee,
Dallas,
Texas

Saturday,
January 10, 2009

Dear Lee & Bert,
How deeply saddened I am to be losing such a dear friend and
wonderful person. Bev meant so much to me and my family and was
dearly loved by all. She was very special in many ways and I shall
always cherish the fun times we had together. You all were so very
fortunate to have two great parents. Our love and thoughts are with
you and your family,
Nancy Lee Huffman Grey, Jacksonville, Florida

—Nancy
Lee Grey,
Jacksonville,
Florida

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Dear Bert and Lee,
My Aunt Gwen called me today with the news. Bev and my mom
Vivian Lee Cumming Groome were very much like sisters, and when
my mother died in 2007, your mother was such a comfort to me
chatting on the phone with me remembering the good times and
easing my loss which she felt too. I will miss your dear Mom and
know she and your Dad are reunited now and for always. My most
sincere sympathy to you both and your families. I will always
cherish my memories of Bev.
Debby Groome Wilkerson

Saturday,
January 10, 2009

Dear Bert and Lee,
I just received the news of your mom's passing. She was such a very
wonderful and kind person to me and I will always remember and
cherish those thoughts. I express my condolence to both of you and
your family. I know that she and Mr. Herb are together forever now.
They are both in my prayers.
Buddy Link

—Acree
Link, Jr.,
Newport News,
Virginia

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Dear Bert and Lee: We
are very sorry to hear about your mother's passing. She was a
very dear person. You and your families are in our hearts and
prayers. Love,

Sunday,
January 11, 2009

Bert, my heart goes out
to you and your family. May all the great memories carry you through
this sad time.

—Carol
Butler,
Norfolk,
Virginia

Sunday,
January 11, 2009

Bill and I would like to
express our condolences to all the family on the death of Bev.
She was a great lady and we know how she will be missed by all of
you.
Anne Hart

—Anne
Hart

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Dear Lee and Bert-

Gay just called with the news that your Mom has passed. I am so
sorry for your loss. "Aunt" Bev was a constant source of love
and support for me and some of the happiest times of my
childhood were spent with her and in your home on Jacobs Lane.
Looking at her shells in the basement, swinging on the swing
between the cedar trees, riding in her wagon to the grocery
store. I'm looking now at a picture of me in her garden-she had
taken me to have my hair done before my mom came home from the
hospital. My hair was probably 4 inches high! I looked like me
with your Mom's hair. When I'm able I will plant a shrub at the
farm in memory of Aunt Bev. She was an awesome woman and she
will be missed.

Monday,
January 12, 2009

Dear Bert and Lee,
We are saddened for the loss of your mother and a great friend. She
will be missed by all of us and as we reflect on the past years of
all of the wonderful times we had together. Bev will be surely
missed, but we know that she is with Herb now forever. We express
our condolences and are in our prayers.

Acree and Barbara

—Acree
and Barbara Link,
Newport News,
Virginia

Monday,
January 12, 2009

My heart and prayers are
with you. She has only changed her address to reunite with Mr.Kelly.
Regards, Keeler Abbitt

—Keeler
Abbitt,
Newport News,
Virginia

Monday,
January 12, 2009

Dear Bert and Lee,
It is with great sadness that John and I learned about the loss of
your mother. She truly was a grand lady and one who gave much love
to all around her. I know you will miss her greatly as will all the
creatures and flora and fauna that she nurtured.
Our love to you both.

Jane and John Maddux

—Jane
Maddux,
Charlottesville,
Virginia

Monday, January 12, 2009

Miss Peebles (as I
knew her) was my second grade teacher. How I loved her! She made
school a FUN place to be. One of my most memorable outside
activities with her was an Easter egg hunt she had for us at a
relatives home on the Boulevard in Hampton. All of the
entertainment she provided for us was earned through achieving
whatever she wanted us to learn. I remember that when I got to
third grade I was rather bored the first half year because I had
already learned most of what I was taught. I have never
forgotten her and have always counted her as one of my best
teachers ever. She taught me the beauty of being an avid reader
which I am to this day.

My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this sad time.
I'm sure your memories of her will be beautiful.

The words
are a paraphrase of "Canticle of the Sun" by Saint Francis of Assisi (1181/1182
– 03 Oct 1226), circa 1225Written shortly before
his death, it was not published for almost 400 years.
Translated to English by
William H. Draper (19 Dec 1855 - 09 Aug 1933),
it first appeared in the Public School Hymn Book, 1919.